How Accidents Can Happen
However, even though most big casinos or hotels are well-established, that doesn't mean that there isn't the possibility of having an accident due to negligence.
There are many reasons why you could suffer an accident at a hotel or casino; it's a high-traffic, intense, and festive environment. That means that it's the kind of place where accidents could happen fairly easily, especially if staff members are overburdened by the demands of management and other guests.
If you are badly injured and are saddled with unexpected medical bills and are unable to go back to work on account of your injuries, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Your chances at receiving satisfactory compensation will be higher if you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Different States May Have (Slightly) Different Standards
There are several components of a typical personal injury claim, but essentially, in most cases, businesses should have premises liability insurance for cases just like yours. However, please note that although states are broadly similar in their policy towards personal injury claims, there may also be differences.
For example, there may be a cap on the amounts awarded for the different components; in some states, no punitive damages can be awarded. There may also be differences in the time allowed (statute of limitations) for a claim to be submitted.
What Can You Include in Your Claim?
There are a number of items you can include in your claim, such as:
- Medical costs, both current and predicted in the future. These are the staple component in any personal injury claim. If you have slipped on loose carpet in the casino and broke a rib when landing on the floor, you would file a claim for any hospital treatment needed to fix the damage to the rib.
- Losses in earnings. This would be a necessary component if you couldn’t return to earning a living while your injuries persisted. As with ongoing and future medical treatment, if you are unlikely to return to work for several months or years, the loss in future earnings should be calculated as accurately as possible.
- Property loss or damage. If your car has been damaged by a hotel vehicle driven by an unauthorized employee, then you could include the repair or replacement value in the claim.
- Pain and suffering is a bit difficult to quantify but it can be one of the most important parts of the claim. Compensation for pain and suffering can sometimes be greater than any other component.
Contact a PI Lawyer as Soon as You Can After an Accident
It is important to take legal action as soon as you can after being involved in an accident that was not your fault. Personal injury claims depend on demonstrating that someone else was at fault. In the case of an injury sustained at a hotel or casino, that might mean an employee, the management team, or the controlling company.
Your claim will be directed towards the insurance company that handles the premises liability insurance policy that the hotel must have to entertain members of the public. Since these sorts of claims can involve interpretation of complex laws, it is advisable to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
*Disclaimer
The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
